Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Review

Since the release of Kingdom Hearts II, fans of the series are longing to play the continuation of the series but unfortunately, Square Enix keeps on delaying a true console sequel and ends up releasing a handheld title instead. Following the plethora of portable Kingdom Hearts titles that we’ve received, only Birth by Sleep on the PSP was decent. In celebrating the 10th year anniversary of the Kingdom Hearts series, a new title that takes place after the second game is finally upon us and this time, it’s on the Nintendo 3DS.

While it’s not really a console title, does Dream Drop Distance has what it takes to have that quality console experience? Let’s take a look on what’s HOT and what’s NOT in our review

HOT

Phenomenal Design on the 3DS
With Dream Drop Distance releasing on the 3DS, I assumed at first that the quality will be somewhat sub-par when it comes to the design and execution of the cutscenes. Fortunately I was wrong, as the game on the 3DS provides near console quality where the visuals are smooth and similar to the ones we’ve played previously seen on consoles. All cutscenes within the game are rendered nicely and anyone who has played the previous games will feel right at home. Expect to explore beautiful worlds where Disney characters such as Quasimodo of the Hunchback of Notredame, characters from the Grid in the Tron movies, and few others. As for its 3D, regardless of how high the depth of the 3D is set, your eyes will not get strained as Square Enix did a remarkable job with this game’s 3D effect.

A Sequel
Dream Drop Distance takes place after Kingdom Hearts II and re: coded on the Nintendo DS. In the anticipation to face Xehanort, Yen Sid puts Sora and Riku into some kind of a mastery exam where if they both pass, they will become a fully-pledged Keyblade Masters. As part of the exam, Sid gives the two a task to re-awaken the seven worlds that’s been put into a state of “deep sleep” by the new creatures called Dream-Eaters. In order for them to re-awaken the seven worlds, they are separated. With them separated, their task is to open the seven keyholes and return the ream of light that will connect the seven worlds with one another.

Flow-Motion Battle
For gamers who are tired of the same old battle system that were found on previous Kingdom Hearts games, Square Enix revamped them in Dream Drop Distance, making them more enjoyable. the Flow-Motion is a newly introduced feature in Dream Drop Distance where players can do devastating attacks to enemies by using the surroundings of the character’s environment. Say that there’s a pole nearby, Sora or Riku can use the pole to spin around and do some sort of a combo to the enemies that deals a lot of damage. While it may sound new, it’s easy to figure out as it will most likely go to the flow of the basic battle system that we’re used to.

Use Spirits as Friends
Instead of having someone to go with Riku and Sora in their adventure, Square Enix introduces the ‘Spirits’ where they can aid you in battle. Since there’s a bad dream-eater, and no heartless this time, the good dream-eater will turn into spirits that you can befriend with. Through the seven worlds of the game, you will be getting some sort of a recipe and items that will be needed in order to make the Spirits. These Spirits will be like your ally where they will aid you in battle, especially in delivering that devastating combo attack.